Thanks to spry handling and an upgraded cabin, the 2017 Ford Fiesta holds nothing back in this revolutionary year on the road. It doesn’t have the most space for cars of its class, but it’s easily a top-tier subcompact.
Whether you opt for the sedan or the four-door hatchback Fiesta, you’re sure to end up with some of the finest performance and handling to come out of Ford’s factories in years. Upgrading to the ST trim offers a wealth of entertainment options, not the least of which includes a sporty suspension and an engine that has no trouble hauling items for miles on end.
If frugality is your goal, the base model still has excellent options, including the EcoBoost engine that packs a pretty powerful punch without wasting fuel. In any case, there’s something for everyone in the 2017 Ford Fiesta.
MSRP
At just $16,860, the 2017 Ford Fiesta demands the least investment from Ford. Even with the lower cost, the vehicle never seems to suffer as it comes with high-quality cabin materials and an elegant but exciting design both inside and out. Other amenities border on luxurious, including heated leather seats, multi-color ambient lights, and a high-end Sony audio system.
Size and Specs
The 2017 Ford Fiesta has two body style choices: a four-door hatchback or a sedan. Both bodies come in S, SE, and Titanium trims, while the top-tier ST model can only come as a hatchback.
In all cases, the Fiesta is just a pleasant place to sit inside thanks to its comfortable seat. Keyless ignition and entry are also popular features found in the Fiesta, along with the Sync 3 infotainment system by Ford, which includes a captive touchscreen with great responsiveness.
Depending on your driving preferences, there are some compromises you may need to make. In particular, manual transmission is the only option available for the ST model and the three-cylinder EcoBoost engine combo. On the other trims and engine options, however, you’re free to opt for an automatic transmission. Additionally, there’s less cargo capacity compared to similar vehicles.
Main Features
Depending on the trim level and packages you select, you’ll have access to a wealth of different features with the 2017 Ford Fiesta.
With the entry-level S model, the Ford Fiesta already sports an indulgent amount of features, including:
- Remote keyless entry;
- Variable intermittent wipers;
- Air conditioning;
- 60/40 split folding seats in the rear;
- Height-adjustable driver seat;
- USB port and auxiliary jack;
- Power locks and manual window control;
- Rear spoiler on hatchback bodies;
- 15-inch wheels;
- Tilt and telescoping steering wheel;
- Cloth upholstery and;
- Six-speaker sound system with Bluetooth.
In addition to the above, the Ford Fiesta SE trim comes with:
- 15-inch alloy wheels;
- Metallic interior paint;
- Navigational trip computer;
- Power-controlled windows;
- Multicolor ambient lighting;
- Automatic headlights;
- Better cloth materials used for the upholstery;
- Cruise control;
- Leather wrapped steering wheel;
- MyKey parental controls;
- Chrome interior handles on the doors and;
- Armrest and front center console.
Upgrading to the ST hatchback grants you access to the same list of features as the SE along with all the items that come with the SE’s Appearance package. In addition, the ST provides:
- 17-inch wheels;
- Unique bodywork;
- Sport-tuned suspension;
- Six-speed manual transmission;
- Four-cylinder turbocharged engine;
- Bigger rear spoiler;
- Dual exhaust tips;
- Quick steering upgrade;
- Better brakes;
- Summer performance tires;
- Keyless ignition and entry;
- Unique sport seats made of cloth;
- Sony HD radio;
- Optional black wheels with red calipers and;
- Access to the Recaro package, which offers heated seats in the front of the vehicle.
Comfort and Space
No matter which trim you select, the 2017 Ford Fiesta offers plenty of comfortable room in the driver and front passenger seats. This is especially true even before accounting for the extra room that a height-adjustable seat and adjustable steering wheel allow. Those eligible for the Recaro package will find the bolsters on the side take up more space, but serve as good support for aggressive drivers. Unfortunately, the rear is best left for younger passengers due to lack of head- and legroom.
Similarly, there’s a less-than-average amount of room in the trunk. Specifically, 12.8 cubic feet for the sedan, and 14.9 cubic feet for the hatchback. Folding down the backseat in the hatch fails to even double the space, capping the limit at 25.4 cubic feet. Compared to the Honda Fit, which is capable of housing up to 52.7 cubic feet of items, there isn’t a lot of room if you need space for bigger items.
Performance
As far as performance goes, the Ford Fiesta is one of the top performing subcompact cars in 2017. The base 1.6-liter engine can generate up to 120 horses and 112 pound-feet of torque. By default, it’s paired with a five-speed manual transmission setup as well as front-wheel drive, though some trims allow for the six-speed automatic.
Safety Features
All Fiestas include the following safety features:
- Traction and stability control;
- Antilock brakes;
- Driver knee airbag;
- Side curtain airbags
- Front seat side airbag
- SE Only: MyKey parental controls for teenagers and valets.
- Titanium Only: Rear parking sensors and rearview camera.
Additionally, Sync comes with a built-in 911 function, allowing you to quickly connect to a 911 operator through your paired phone.
2017 Ford Fiesta Competitors
The Fiesta delivers an almost unparalleled experience on the road. Even at the base trim, the Fiesta offers an entertaining drive through tunnels and winding roads, relying on lively reflexes to keep you in line.
However, it’s not a perfect vehicle. The Honda Fit, for example, offers more than double the possible cargo space than any Fiesta trim can offer. The Chevrolet Sonic also comes with an excellent handling experience on the road, whereas both the Kia Rio and the Hyundai Accent offer comparable efficiency. Even considering all these options, the 2017 Ford Fiesta remains one of the happiest mediums in each important category.
Fuel Efficiency
In the standard Fiesta configuration, the fuel economy is estimated to be 27 mpg in the city, 36 mpg on the highway and 30 mpg combined for the automatic transmission. In the manual transmission, the numbers are nearly congruent, though you’ll lose a mile per gallon on the highway.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Spry handling, easily turns corners.
- Enthusiastic performance of the ST trim.
- Fuel efficient option available with EcoBoost.
- Cloth interior looks luxurious.
- Advanced technology compared to competitors.
Cons:
- Hardly any cargo space.
- Rear only suitable for children or short adults.
- No automatic transmission for EcoBoost.
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